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[Oral dryness in geriatric patients]
Revue Belge De Medecine Dentaire
|July 6, 2000
Summary
Dry mouth, common in the elderly, often stems from medications, not aging salivary glands. This review covers diagnosis and treatment for this prevalent condition in older adults.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Medicine
- Pharmacology
- Oral Health
Context:
- Dry mouth (xerostomia) is a frequent complaint among geriatric patients.
- It is often associated with polypharmacy in institutionalized elderly individuals, affecting 70% of this population.
- Salivary gland function is typically preserved, indicating medication side effects as the primary cause.
Purpose:
- To review the diagnostic methods for medication-induced dry mouth in the elderly.
- To summarize current therapeutic strategies for managing xerostomia in geriatric patients.
- To provide healthcare professionals with an overview of this common iatrogenic condition.
Summary:
- This publication focuses on dry mouth in the elderly, attributing it primarily to medication use rather than intrinsic aging of salivary glands.
- It details diagnostic approaches to identify drug-induced xerostomia.
- The review outlines various treatment options available for managing this condition in geriatric populations.
Impact:
- Improved understanding of the etiology of dry mouth in the elderly.
- Enhanced diagnostic accuracy for medication-related xerostomia.
- Guidance for clinicians on effective management strategies, potentially improving quality of life for elderly patients.